Cary Ritzler joined the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) in 2022 as Georgia Organizer and is now the Climate Advocacy Coordinator, working with volunteers and leaders to promote the just and equitable transition to clean energy in communities around the Southeast.

Cary has worked in affordable housing and local government supporting sustainable development and policies and has been an active advocate for climate policy since 2015. Cary is a leader and founding member of the 100% Athens Clean and Renewable Energy Initiative, which worked with Environment Georgia and the local government to set a target of 100% clean and renewable energy by 2035, established a fund of $15.4 million in local option sales tax revenue to support the transition, and continues to collaborate with the municipality and local groups in implementing the Athens Clean Energy Plan. Cary also serves as co-chair for the Just Energy Circle’s Policy Committee, convened by the Partnership for Southern Equity.

Cary has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, a Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. She taught elementary school for twelve years and was awarded the Charlotte Brown Chair for Teachers of Special Education by the Athens-Clarke County Foundation for Excellence in Education in 2014.